From Strategy to practice: implementing sustainable procurement in construction SMEs - A systematic review

Abstract

Sustainable procurement (SP) has become a critical mechanism for improving environmental, social, and economic performance in the construction sector, thereby contributing to achieve UN-SDG goals (SGD12). However, SP implementation within construction SMEs is rarely examined in existing studies, indicating a significant gap in the literature. This study addresses this gap through a systematic literature review of 47 peer reviewed articles. The review applies inductive and deductive content analysis to identify the most prominent SP implementation strategies that help SMEs to foster sustainability. The findings reveal a total of 12 implementation strategies. Among them stakeholder collaboration, awareness and knowledge enhancement, and top management support are the strategies most frequently highlighted in the literature, while project specific measures and the use of project power structures remain underexamined. The study contributes to theory by articulating the strategies in practicing sustainability tailored to construction SMEs context and to practice by identifying actionable recommendations for addressing financial and capability constraints. SMEs and policy makers in construction can use this set if implementation strategies to promote sustainable practices and researchers are presented with enhanced opportunities on contributing to the body of knowledge systematically and effectively.